Maharashtra to Launch India's First Road Safety Training and Research Institute in Saswad

State Minister Girish Sarnaik disclosed that the Maharashtra government will set up the country's first dedicated Road Safety Training and Research Institute in the town of Saswad, Pune district. The institute is intended to serve as a hub for advanced driver training programs, safety awareness campaigns, and scientific studies on road accidents. Officials said the facility will bring together experts from traffic police, academia and the automotive sector to develop best practices for reducing fatalities on Indian roads. While detailed timelines were not released, the project is expected to commence construction within the next few months, with the aim of operational readiness soon after.

The decision reflects Maharashtra's broader commitment to improving road safety, a priority after the state recorded a high number of traffic-related deaths in recent years. By focusing on both practical training and research, the institute aims to generate data-driven solutions that can be replicated across other states.

Stakeholders, including transport unions and road safety NGOs, have welcomed the move, noting that a specialized centre could bridge gaps in current driver education standards and provide a platform for testing new safety technologies.